AUSTIN KIDDOS DO RED RIVER, NM

By

Gypsy Rhapsody

(a 1977 Airstream lovin' those grandkids)

Maddie (5) and Vincent (8) were on top of the world

during their visit to Red River, NM.

Vannie and Dave were in Hog Heaven.

It was so much fun seeing them

having so much fun.

Vannie, Dave, Maddie, Vincent, and Emilie

spent most of their time at the Caribel Condos in RR,

but I loved it when they spent one night with me

 down the mountain in Questa.

They are just so darn sweet.

Tom Sawyer

A boy and his fishing pole.!!!

Barry, the maintenance guy at the Caribel, helped out

with the particulars of fishing...bait, hooks, bobbers, rods, casting...

"Come on, Little Fishy Fishy."

When the fish didn't bite right away,

attention spans turned to other things...

...even a tea party in the mountains...

Sometimes it was a little rainy outside,

so Play-dough came to the rescue. 

...a permanent smiley face...

Dave said he would pay good money for one of those.

Millet Park

Perfect place for a picnic...

Hot dogs, chips, donuts...

The park had a bunch of playground equipment...

...and even a sweet little creek in which to wade...

Those mountain streams are so delightfully chilly. 

The Community House in the middle of Red River

always has a bunch of activities for kids...

...the infamous Chia Pet...

Cup...panty hose...grass seeds...potting soil...googly eyes...paint

The front porch of the CH is the perfect place to relax

and have a cup of hot chocolate.

...and then there is boat-making day...

Kids of all ages gather at the CH...pick 3 pieces of wood...hammer...nails...paint...

Boats are created...

"Be careful Maddie...that paint is not washable."

T-Pop even got into the mix...

"That's enough paint, Vincent...it might not ever dry."

Then the boats are taken down to the river and...swish...

Which one will win the Regatta?

Go Carts

Oh, my goodness...Vannie and Maddie are in hot pursuit of...

Emilie and Vincent...

Dave said they both were declaring themselves the victors.

Pioneer Flyer

Whee....

Another new adventure...

Heading to the Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado...

Vannie said that she promises that she did not touch up this photo at all...

Those colors are spectacular.

There they are...the Dunes are just ahead.

"Look, Maddie...Look Vincent...Can you see them?"

Slide Baby Slide

Another Creek...Medano Creek...

Perfect place to cool off after running and rolling in that hot sand...

Ahhhhh

The creek was flowing in small channels, each about 1-9 feet wide, 

and 1/2 inch to 2 inches deep.

After a big day at the Dunes,

Capo's Restaurant in Red River fit the bill.  

Pizza and Spaghetti...YUM

What in the world is this?

A White House Gingerbread House...

I think Maddie's expression says it all...

Looks like Vannie and Vincent stuck it out to the end.

Dave said it looked a little like an earthquake had happened in DC.

New Wave Rafting Company

Embudo, NM

A Perfect Rafting trip down the Rio Grande for little kids...and old kids, as well...

A few rapids, but not too many...and lunch was served on a rocky bank

half way down the river.  Vannie said it was quite a spread for lunch.

Dave said he felt like "The Rockefeller's".

A small table was set up with meats, cheeses, fresh veggies, fresh fruit, 

chips, salsa, guacamole, cookies,

and peanut butter and jelly.

Something for everyone. 

Finally an evening with "Me"...

Maddie loves drawing and painting...and so does Vannie.

Such a sweet little "Lefty"...just like her great grandmother, Madge.

So Serious...

Enjoying their IPADS while Vannie fixes breakfast...

A quite relaxing morning...

I loved it.

Vannie said that no one can leave RR without stopping by The Candy Shop.

Vincent said it was the perfect last evening at the condo.

...all sitting around the table stuffing themselves with sweets...

Everyone wanted to try each piece of fudge or candy...

each person had their favorite...

A great send-off for the Austin Kiddos...

Vannie said, "Gypsy, what do you think?"

Well, I think Red River and beyond was definitely DONE...

and in just one week.

Just looking at all these photos, I'm exhausted.!!!